Toronto's Frings announces retirement

Former Germany midfielder Torsten Frings has retired from professional football with immediate effect.

Frings, 36, had been playing for FC Toronto since moving to Canada from his homeland in 2011, but after struggling to recover from major hip surgery he decided the time was right to hang up his boots.

"During pre-season we discovered that my recovery would take longer than expected. I always want to do what is best for the team and that is why I have decided to step away," Frings said.

"I really enjoyed my time in Toronto and playing for Toronto FC. I wish the club all the best this season and hopefully they can continue to embrace the winning spirit that I brought to the team."

Frings won 79 caps for Germany and enjoyed two distinguished spells with Werder Bremen - from 1997-2002 and later 2005-2011.

The midfielder also played for Dortmund and Bayern Munich, with whom he won a Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal Double in his one season at the club.

Frings, who had one year left on his Toronto contract, played for his country at four major championships - starting in the finals of both the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2004 as Germany lost to Brazil and Spain respectively.